Tuesday, June 17, 2014 - Lahore: THE mesmerising and unique blend of culture and heritage of Lahore is so beautiful that one cannot forget the memories since long and wants to come again and again to witness this prospering city.
These views were expressed by a delegation of a 27-member Sikh Yatrees who visited various historical buildings within the Walled City of Lahore on Monday. The Sikh Yatrees were given a fully guided tour of the Royal Trail project by the Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA).
The Yatries said by visiting the historical city of Lahore, they are able to witness the ancient Sikh and Mughal eras’ buildings besides witnessing the rich culture of Lahore. They said the well preserved Royal Trail area has increased the beauty of the walled city. The delegates visited various important places of Royal Trail such as Shahi Hamam, Gali Surhan Singh, Phoolon Wali Gali, Koocha Gurbarchian, Haveli Bejnath, Chitta Gate and Wazir Khan Mosque.
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| The Samadhi of Ranjit Singh Opposite to the Fort entrance (Shah Burj Gate), to the west, is the Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Substantially Hindu with Mohammaden details, and is built of stone in plain, unpretending style. The front of the doorway has images of Ganesh, Devi and Brahma, the Hindu deities, cut in red sand stone. The ceilings are gorgeously decorated with small convex mirrors, set in white cement. The carved marble lotus flower in the central vault, set beneath a canopy, covers the ashes of the great Maharaja, and the smaller flowers of the same description around are in memory of his four wives and seven slave girls, who immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their deceased lord. The knobs representing the queens, are crowned, while plain knobs mark the sacrifices of the equally devoted but less legal wives, the slave girls. Two more knobs are in honor of two pigeons who, being accidentally enveloped in the great mass of flames, were burnt, and are given the honor of satti, or self-sacrifice. |
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| Hazuri Bagh (1818 AD) The garden, called Hazuri Bagh in front of the main gateway of the Badshahi Mosque was created by Ranjit singh. Originally, it was the place from where the emperor Aurangzeb reviewed his troops march past. The pavilion has twelve arches which form an arcade. It is built entirely in white marble, including the frames of the arches .This edifice, 14 m square, had some underground chambers and another storey which was destroyed due to bad weather and thundering . Ranjit Singh held court in Huzoori Bagh and dealt with the affairs of his kingdom. |
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| Shahi Hamam Shahi Hamam also known as Wazir Khan Hamam was built by WazirKhanin 1633 A.D. who lived during the era of Shah Jehan. His real name was Sheikh Ilmmudin Ansari, and he belonged to Chiniot. The Hamam was built for Jahangir’s Queen so that she and her family could have steam and hot baths. The Hamam had 21 rooms, eight with marble pools were used for fresh water baths, other eight were for hot water baths, while five rooms were steam baths which were built on the style of Turkish baths. The walls and roofs had exquisite floral paintings, while the roof centers had natural light openings. |
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| Minar-e-Pakistan Minar-e-Pakistan (Pakistan Day Memorial) is a minaret which was made to commemorate the day when the Pakistan resolution was passed on March 23, 1940. The main tower of this memorial was completed on March 22, 1968. The location was originally known as Minto Park. It was here that the historic session of the All-India Muslim League was held on March 23, 1940. The dome is of stainless steel inlaid with fine glass pieces. Up to the dome there are four stages spread over 162 stairs. The best and encompassing panoramic view of Lahore and the citadel is obtained by using the elevator which takes you all the way up to the top of the tower. The park is a popular recreational spot for Lahorites who congregate there in large numbers. It is often used for holding large public meetings. The locality of the memorial has been highlighted with well planned parks. Eight marble fountains on the main access add to the beauty of the memorial, emitting watery rainbows with the help of multicolored lights. |
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| “The Royal Trail” – Shahi Guzargah Project In association with the World Bank, a project is currently in progress to re-create the “Royal Trail” within the Walled City of Lahore. The objective of this project is to preserve the culture and heritage of the city along with providing modern living facilities to the residents of the Walled City of Lahore. The project also aims at promoting the tourism and economic potential of the Walled City of Lahore as well. |
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Officials of WCLA were accompanying the Sikh Yatrees and told them that the project was started in association with the World Bank with the objectives of preserving the culture and heritage of the city along with providing modern living facilities to the residents of the Walled City of Lahore. The delegates opined that the project would promote domestic as well as international tourism in Lahore and could bring economic prosperity among the residents of the Walled City area.
Ajoob Singh, a Sikh Yataree from Amritsar said he was very glad to visit the place of his ancestors. He said he was astonished to see the recently restored Royal Trail area. “Before coming to Lahore I can’t imagine that Sikh era havelies are kept so well,” he said adding he and his fellow delegates are thankful to the Punjab government as well as the WCLA for taking steps for the betterment and preservation of Sikh heritage. The Sikh Yataries showed special interest in the beautiful structures with ornamental architecture of the walled city. The delegation was told that the Royal Trail connects along many of the heritage monuments like Shahi Hamam, Masjid Wazir Khan, Sonehri Masjid and Begum Shahi Masjid. This path is the same that was once followed by the Mughal and Sikh Emperors when they came from Delhi to Lahore.
Gurmej Singh, a resident of Ferozpur, said he cannot imagine that there will be any authority in Lahore which is providing fully guided tours to tourists. He said during the entire tour of the walled city, which he terms as the Lahore’s heart, he was feeling himself in a secure and safe environment and it is just like being home. He said he has taken many photographs and will share with his friends and family in India and will ask them to visit the Walled City of Lahore once in a lifetime.
Javed, the tour guide of the WCLA, said at this time we need to showcase the right image of Pakistan.